Apple Migrating Users to the Cloud

LOS ANGELES — The rapid uptake of mobile technology and new devices is transforming the way that consumers access and store data, with Apple leading the way into the cloud.

The latest example of this seismic shift that is seeing the demise of personal storage, via hard drives and other legacy technologies, in favor of communal storage in the cloud, comes from Apple and its recent announcement that its popular professional photography application, Aperture, is being retired in favor of the new Photos app and iCloud Photo Library.

“You’re never without your camera.  Now you’ll never be without your photos,” states an Apple rep. “Every photo and video you take now lives in iCloud — giving you the freedom to access your library from any device, anytime you want. So you can view a photo from last week or last year no matter where you are.”

According to the company, once enabled on the user’s iOS devices, iCloud Photo Library automatically stores all photos and videos in iCloud, at full resolution in their original formats, including RAW files for access via iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or via the Internet, using a web browser. 

“Now you can search thousands of your photos right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Search by the date or time the photo was taken, location, or album name. Whether you’re at work, on the train, at a restaurant, or on vacation, finding a photo has never been simpler,” the rep continued. “Just tap the search icon, and you’ll get choices based on what’s important to you. One more tap gives you immediate access to photos taken nearby, photos taken the same time last year, or your all-time favorite photos.”

It all sounds nice and useful for digital photographers, but there are underlying moves that may be cause for concern among consumers and privacy advocates worried about cloud security — and the financial motivation that companies will face to harvest and monetize cloud-based data.

Current iCloud plans provide 5GB of free storage, with other storage plans starting at 99¢ per month — and going up from there (and it will not take long for RAW shooters and video fans to exceed this limit). Thus the more the service is used, the more a company makes — and the more that a customer spends on an expense that is not present when using traditional hard-drive storage.

It is an increasingly commonplace swap of cash for convenience echoed in the move to replace software sales with software subscriptions — recurring charges for what was once a one-time expense. If it is commercially possible to not only charge a fee to access an application, but to use it as well, then firms will want to do it, and with products such as Photos and iCloud Photo Library, Apple is leading the way.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Dreamcam has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More